By Heather Benac 
Want to avoid that crowded hotel lobby and check into your very own private estate?
Vacationing on private property is one of the best travel experiences out there. Having more space, privacy, and amenities no hotel package can rival.
But….
Booking that first villa can be tricky. Here’s what you should know:
Renting private vacation homes used to be a niche offering. Today it’s exploding in popularity. In fact, recent industry research predicts luxury villas and estates will make up about 49% of the luxury vacation rental market in 2024.
Makes sense too. Hotel rooms are cramped. They lack privacy, space, and that premium feel. Whether it’s sprawling acres of beachfront real estate or a fully staffed luxury villa Costa Rica has to offer… Renting a private vacation home beats hotels every time.
But where do you start? There are pitfalls to avoid and important steps not to overlook when booking that first private villa.
Here’s a step-by-step guide.
What you’ll discover:
- Why Booking Private Estate Rentals Are Worth It
- Finding the Right Villa
- Questions to Ask Before Booking a Villa
- Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Stay
Why Booking Private Estate Rentals Are Worth It
Renting your own private vacation estate is more than just “a nicer place to stay.”
It actually elevates your entire vacation experience.
Think about all the differences between hotels vs villas…
Hotel rooms are functional. Private vacation homes let you live like royalty. Here are just a few reasons why first time villa guests almost always book another villa on their next vacation.
Privacy and Space
Hands down the biggest. Vacations are meant to relax and unwind. Staying at a private villa means no more slamming hotel room doors, overcrowded pools, or loud guests in the hall.
It’s a luxury every family and group will appreciate. You have more room to spread out. There’s common kitchens, living rooms and plenty of outdoor space. Think private pools, gardens, terraces.
Better For Groups and Families
Here’s another benefit new villa renters don’t expect…
Booking a private villa is often cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms. Split the cost of a villa with another family/group and the per-person price is almost always cheaper than hotel rooms.
You also get way more bang for your buck. Hotels charge premium prices for pool access, cooking equipment, towels and cleaning staff. At most private villas these things are expected and included.
Personalised Service & Totally Customizable
Hotels are busy, impersonal places by comparison.
Want someone to cook all your meals? Got it. Interested in scheduling group tours? Sure thing. Sleep in late and eat lunch by the pool.
With private estate rentals anything is possible. If you can dream it up, your villa rental manager will make it happen. No flighty resort schedules. Just do what you want, when you want.
How To Find the Right Villa
This is arguably the most important step in the entire process. After all, you can plan the perfect vacation but pick the wrong villa and the entire trip falls flat.
Take notes!
Decide on a Destination First
Never start your search by looking for villas to rent. Instead choose a destination first. Things to consider:
- Weather and season: is the climate going to be good for your travel dates?
- Transportation: how far is the villa from the airport? Are there shuttles available?
- Activities nearby: restaurants, beaches, excursions, etc.
Looking for beach property? You’re in luck. Vacation rentals in coastal areas remain by far the most popular villa rental choice. Research shows about 74% of travelers prefer vacation rentals near the beach.
Only Search Trustworthy Platforms
You’ve heard the horror stories.
Yes, there are sketchy villa rental listings out there. Luckily you can avoid these scams by searching villa rentals through trusted sites with verified properties only. Look for rentals with:
- Verified guest reviews
- Comprehensive photo libraries
- Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Clear cancellation policy
This little tip alone saves 90% of the headaches. Booking through trustworthy villa websites means less hassle.
Questions to Ask Before Booking a Villa
Got a villa in mind? Don’t hit the book button just yet. There are questions to ask and details to verify first.
Does the Villa Have Staff?
A legit game changer if they do.
Luxury villas that include staff typically offer housekeeping, concierge services, a private chef and sometimes even a driver. Not only does having villa staff make your stay more comfortable but the staff takes care of a lot of the smaller details so you can focus on having a good time.
Not all villas include staff members though. Some charge extra for services like meals, cleaning, and airport transfers. Ask the rental manager about what services are included before assuming.
Check Out Recent Guest Reviews
This is important…
You want to read about what recent guests had to say about the property. Are comments about cleanliness, responsiveness, and accuracy of the listing mixed? Throw that villa to the wayside. A couple five-star reviews from years ago doesn’t help you.
Double check recent reviews mention safety features like secure locks on doors/windows, emergency contacts, well kept pools/spas/etc.
Understand Cancellation Policy/Payment Terms
Things happen. Sometimes delays, travel issues, or family emergencies pop up.
Don’t book a villa with an inflexible cancellation policy. Or worse, ones that require you to pay the full rental cost upfront.
Typically a security deposit is required with remaining balance due a week or so before your arrival date.
Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Stay
Alright it’s time. You found the perfect villa, booked it, and even packed your bags. But wait… There’s one more thing.
Until you actually arrive at your villa consider these expert tips to take your stay to the next level.
- Reach out to the villa manager as soon as your booking is confirmed. Share dietary restrictions, activities you’re interested in, and any other preferences in advance. The best villa managers will have your villa setup just how you like it by the time you arrive.
- Plan some activities, but leave lots of free time. Part of the joy of vacationing on private property is not having a rigid itinerary to follow.
- Purchase groceries after you arrive. If your villa has a kitchen take advantage of it. Cooking meals in your villa is way cheaper than dining out for every meal.
- Tip the staff well. If you receive amazing service from the villa manager and/or staff throughout your stay be sure to show them the appreciation they deserve.
Bringing It All Together
Booking that first private villa really isn’t all that difficult. Just remember these tips:
- Choose a destination, then search for villas
- Use trusted booking sites with verified villas
- Look for deals that include staff and have recent positive reviews
- Reach out to the villa manager ahead of time to make sure your villa will be exactly how you want it when you arrive
There you have it. A comprehensive guide to renting a private villa for vacation.
Need more convincing that villas are the best choice for your next family vacation? Privately owned estate rentals offer larger accommodations than hotel rooms at better prices, more privacy, and allow groups to stay together without splitting up.
Don’t forget… once you take your first private villa vacation there’s pretty much no going back.
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